Every time the air quality index (AQI) in Delhi spikes into the “poor” or “severe” range, something more than scratchy throats and coughs begins to stir. As the smog thickens and each breath comes with effort, many residents are reporting panic attacks, not just respiratory flare-ups and medical experts are sounding the alarm that the polluted air is no longer simply a lung concern, it is a mind-and-body emergency. Delhi had celebrated Diwali on Monday, October 20, 2025, when the AQI stood at 345 (very poor). While the national capital on Friday recorded a AQI of 275 (poor), it was 305 (very poor) on Thursday, 353 (very poor) on Wednesday and 350 (very poor) on Tuesday. Until recently, most people focused on how air pollution damages lungs and hearts but newer research reveals a far

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